Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, expressed deep sorrow over the Christmas Eve attacks on communities in Plateau State, sending heartfelt condolences to the victims. Musa condemned the violence, calling for a collective stand against such atrocities.
Gunmen targeted 12 villages in the Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos areas, leaving devastation in their wake. Houses were burned, and residents were shot, resulting in a tragic loss of lives. Conflicting reports on the death toll emerged, with estimates ranging from over 150, as stated by the Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos Local Government Area, to approximately 115 according to the Plateau State Government.
Musa, set to make his fourth African Cup of Nations appearance in Ivory Coast, took to social media to express his grief. “It’s heartbreaking to witness the recent violence in Plateau State. My thoughts are with those affected,” he wrote, emphasizing the need to unite against hate and violence. Musa urged people to stand together, fostering love and understanding to make a positive difference.
Plateau United captain, Elisha Golbe, echoed Musa’s sentiments, describing the incident as disheartening and unacceptable. He called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Despite the grim atmosphere, Golbe expressed determination for Plateau United to pay respect to the victims by securing victory in their Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clash against Sporting Lagos.
Another Plateau United player, Daniel Itodo, voiced his disgust at the killings, emphasizing the urgency of bringing the perpetrators to justice. He prayed for the souls lost and expressed hope for relief to the grieving families.
In response to the tragic events, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, labeling them as “primitive and heinous.” He ordered a manhunt for the culprits and deployed a high-powered delegation of well-armed operational forces to prevent further attacks. President Tinubu directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and mobilize immediate relief resources for the surviving victims, including medical treatment for the wounded.
The collective response from sports figures like Ahmed Musa and political leaders, including President Tinubu, underscores the importance of unity and decisive action in the face of violence, as they advocate for justice and support for the affected communities.
